DIY Root Beer Liqueur Recipe

The woodsy, complex flavors of root beer are right at home in a liqueur. Use it in cocktails like you would an amaro or in sweet concoctions for a bold and unusual flavor.

Notes: Sassafras root bark, birch bark, and sarsaparilla root bark are available at some homebrew and herb shops. You can also order them online from Lhasa Karnak. If chocolate mint is unavailable to you, substitute another type of mint.

Directions

1.

Combine water, sassafras, sarsaparilla, birch, anise, ginger, mint, and lemon zest in a pot over medium heat and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and cover, then let it steep for 2 hours.

2.

Place a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth over a new pot and strain the liquid into it. Add brown sugar, granulated sugar, and molasses to the pot and bring to a boil over medium heat. Remove from heat and add vanilla, then let the mixture cool.

3.

Pour cooled liquid into a sealable glass jar and add vodka. Seal and shake, then let the mixture rest for 1 day. Store at room temperature for up to 6 months. Refrigerate if desired.

Special Equipment

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Marcia Simmons is a freelance writer based in the San Francisco Bay Area. While she has specialized in developing cocktail recipes and covering cocktail culture, she also writes about food, travel, tech and other topics.

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